Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program

The law creates an agency-review pathway alongside a first responder’s ability to petition the court directly. It requires counties to decide promptly and report the result back to the referring responder.

What the law does ​

• Authorizes first responders to request that the behavioral health agency where a person lives or is found file a CARE petition.
• Requires requests to include available contact information and other information set by the department.
• Requires county behavioral health agencies to review requests and decide whether to file a petition within 30 business days.
• Requires agencies to tell the referring first responder whether a petition was filed and whether the person met CARE eligibility criteria.
• Requires the department to create a referral form, issue procedure guidance, and report request data in its annual CARE Act report.
• Provides for state reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates finds the county requirements impose reimbursable state-mandated costs.

Who it affects ​

• First responders who believe an adult may qualify for the CARE process.
• Adults who may meet CARE eligibility criteria for severe mental illness involving schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.
• County behavioral health agencies that review referrals and may file CARE petitions.